Page 97 of John + Siena: The Complete Duet

No thanks.

Siena turned her back to them, and looked up at the signs overhead advertising junk food, and drinks. The guy’s voice in her ear made her realize how close he had come when she turned around. Just a little bit too late.

“They make this crazy mix of popcorn, chocolate chips, and small marshmallows. They drizzle salted caramel and milk chocolate all over it. It’s awesome. You want to try it?”

Siena turned slightly to give the guy a look, and make him back off. Thankfully, he did take a step back. He was probably harmless, but she also wasn’t interested in finding out.

“No, thanks.”

The guy shrugged. “Shame. You looked kind of lonely standing there all by yourself.”

Siena didn’t know if the guy and his group of friends had been standing behind her and John minutes ago, so she took him at his word. “I’m fine, really.”

“If you’re sure …?”

“She’s sure.”

Johnathan’s rough reply coming from her right made Siena stiffen. She couldn’t remember a time when she had ever heard him sound like that.

Angry and cold.

Seemed he had come back from his phone call without her even noticing. She turned to face him, and slipped a hand in with his. Instantly, he pulled her in close, and rested one of his arms around the back of her neck.

The comfort came back.

Just like that.

“Sorry,” the guy said.

John didn’t even reply. He only grunted unintelligibly back.

“You good?” he asked her quietly.

His words murmured into her hair.

“I am now.”

“Good, love.”

John moved them subtly so that her back was facing the group of guys, while at the same time, he could watch them. Never once did his arm release her from the tight hold around the back of her neck and shoulders. Siena didn’t even mind. She tipped her head back to stare up at him. The sharp line of his jaw showed a tic, and his gaze wasn’t on her.

“Everything good—with the call, I mean?”

John didn’t look down. “Yeah, babe. It’s good.”

“Fucking shame, man. Lucked out on that ass. Almost had it.”

The ruckus of laughter from the group of frat boys, not to mention the one guy’s words, had John stiffening.

“I hope you’re not fucking talking about this girl,” he said over her head.

Siena’s heart leaped into her throat. She pressed her hands into his hard stomach to try and get his attention on her, and not on those fools. “Hey, it’s fine, John.”

Nope.

He didn’t even look away from them at all.

“And what if I was?” the guy from earlier asked. “Chill, man, she’s with you.”